Apparatus for applying media to a conduit

ABSTRACT

The invention provides an apparatus and methods for applying a material to a cable or into a conduit. The apparatus includes a hinged housing for coupling to a portion of a cable and/or a conduit. The apparatus is configured as a portable housing that is particularly suited for use in the field to apply a material to an existing underground cable or conduit or to a new or relocated cable or conduit during installation. The hinged housing permits the apparatus to couple to a portion of a cable or a portion of a conduit without splicing the cable or the conduit or removing the cable. When coupled to a cable or a conduit, the housing defines a chamber into which a material is inserted. Compressed air is supplied to the chamber to force the material into an innerduct of the conduit and to pull the material therethrough, applying the material to the cable and/or the conduit. Various materials can be applied to occupied and unoccupied conduit using the apparatus including a detectable tape, a service or tracer wire, a cable or a narrow-diameter cable duct sized for insertion into a conduit.

PRIOR PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 10/285,769, filed Nov. 1,2002, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/335,014, filed on Nov. 2, 2001, which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to an apparatus and methods for applying mediato a cable or into a conduit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Utility and telecommunications companies have for some time beeninstalling all dielectric cable, e.g., fiber optic cable, to upgradecable systems and to overcome the problems associated with bonding andgrounding a metallic presence to cable. Dielectric cable systems,however, present new problems in locating previously installedunderground systems for upgrade and repair. Dielectric cable cannot beremotely located once buried underground.

Methods to locate buried cable systems include pothole drilling. Potholedrilling involves exploratory drilling that can be slow and costly, andcan often pose risks of damage or destruction of buried cable. Inaddition, pothole drilling typically must rely on cable installationrecords that may be lost, are inaccurate or are no longer useful due tolandmark changes.

Whenever possible, permanent service or tracer wires, e.g., copperservice wires, and other detectable media are installed alongsideunderground cable to provide a detectable means for remotely locatingspecific cables and systems. Installing detectable media, however, canonly be performed when a cable system is being upgraded, re-routedand/or moved from a particular site. In addition, installation ofservice and tracer wires is a slow and costly procedure that oftenrequires exploratory drilling to locate cables and cable systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for applying amaterial, e.g., a detectable material, to a cable or into a conduit,e.g., an underground cable or conduit. Another object of the inventionis to provide an apparatus for applying an elongated material, e.g., adetectable tape, a cable or a narrow cable duct, into an innerduct of aconduit. A further object of the invention is to provide methods forapplying a material to a cable or into a conduit.

In general, in one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus forapplying an elongated member to a conduit. The apparatus includes ahousing constructed and arranged to enclose a portion of the conduit.The housing includes a first coupling housing and a second couplinghousing. The first coupling housing is pivotally connected to the secondcoupling housing such that the housing may be closed around the portionof the conduit; the first coupling housing and the second couplinghousing when closed defining a chamber, the chamber having a first openend to substantially conform to a first portion of the conduit; and agas supply assembly on the housing configured to supply gas underpressure to the chamber from a gas source; and an inlet assembly on thehousing configured to supply the elongated member to the chamber.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing features. The chamber further includes a second open endspaced from the first open end to substantially conform to a portion ofa cable extending through the conduit. The first open end is alignedwith the second open end. The apparatus further includes a closingmechanism constructed and arranged to removably and securely connect thefirst coupling housing to the second coupling housing. The apparatusfurther comprising a seal disposed adjacent to the first open endbetween an interior surface defining the chamber and an outer surface ofthe first portion of the conduit, the seal being configured and sized tofill a space between the interior surface and the outer surface of thefirst portion of the conduit. In one aspect, the seal includes a gasketshaped on one surface to mate with the interior surface of the chamberand shaped on an opposing surface to mate with the outer surface of thefirst portion of the conduit. The gasket provides a substantiallyairtight seal. In another aspect, the seal includes an adapter havingone or more grooves configured in an outer surface, each groove beingaligned with a rim configured in the interior surface of the chamber andsized such that the groove receives the rim. Alternatively, the sealincludes an adapter configured to seat in the space between the interiorsurface and the outer surface of the first portion of the conduit havinga smooth external surface shaped to mate with the interior surfacedefining the chamber, and further including a terminal flange to connectthe adapter to a perimeter defining the first open end. The adapterfurther includes an inner surface opposite to the outer surfaceconfigured to mate with a shape of the outer surface of the firstportion of the conduit. The inner surface includes one or more ridgesconfigured to grasp the outer surface of the first portion of theconduit. The adapter is further configured to secure the housing at thefirst open end to the first portion of the conduit. The adapter isfurther configured to align with and to connect to an open flushterminal end of the first portion of the conduit. The adapter is furtherconfigured to mate with a coupling to align the adapter with an openflush terminal end of the first portion of the conduit and to removablyconnect the adapter to the open flush terminal end. The adapter furtherincludes a gasket between its inner surface and the outer surface of thefirst portion of the conduit to form a substantially airtight seal.

Implementations of the invention may further include one or more of thefollowing features. The apparatus further comprising a seal disposedadjacent to the second open end between an interior surface defining thechamber and an outer surface of the portion of the cable, the seal beingconfigured and sized to fill a space between the interior surface andthe outer surface of the portion of the cable. The seal includes agasket shaped on one surface to mate with the interior surface of thechamber and shaped on an opposing surface to mate with the outer surfaceof the portion of the cable. The gasket secures the housing at thesecond open end to the portion of the cable. The gasket includes asubstantially airtight seal.

Implementations of the invention may still further include one or moreof the following. The gas supply assembly is disposed anterior to theinlet assembly. The gas supply assembly is disposed and configured suchthat the gas supply assembly is in fluid communication with the chamberand further disposed and configured to deliver pressurized gas to thechamber at an angle. The inlet assembly includes a terminal assemblydisposed and configured at a terminal portion of the inlet assembly andin fluid communication with the chamber, the terminal assembly beingconfigured to act as a chamber to permit introduction of the elongatedmember into the chamber. The terminal assembly includes being furtherconfigured to prevent loss of air from the inlet assembly. The terminalassembly includes being further configured to contain the elongatedmember and to permit the elongated member to slide through the inletassembly into the chamber.

The first coupling housing includes interior surfaces configured to matewith interior surfaces of the second coupling housing to form a sealbetween the first coupling housing and the second coupling housing. Theseal includes a substantially airtight seal.

The elongated member includes a detectable material, a detectable tapehaving a metallic component integrated therein, a cable or a narrowcable duct.

In another aspect, an apparatus for applying an elongated member to aconduit is provided. The apparatus includes a housing constructed andarranged to enclose a portion of the conduit, the housing including afirst coupling housing and a second coupling housing, the first couplinghousing being pivotally connected to the second coupling housing suchthat the housing may be closed around the portion of the conduit; thefirst coupling housing and second coupling housing when closed defininga chamber; the chamber having a first open end to substantially conformto a first portion of the conduit; and means for supplying the elongatedmember to the chamber.

A method for applying an elongated member to a conduit is provided. Themethod includes preparing a portion of a conduit to receive theelongated member such that the prepared portion permits the elongatedmember to be threaded into an interior of the conduit; enclosing theprepared portion of a conduit with a housing having a chamber; sealingthe chamber to prevent loss of air from the chamber; inserting theelongated member into a first site of the housing in fluid communicationwith the chamber; supplying pressurized air to the chamber at a secondsite of the housing anterior to the first site of the housing such thatwhen the pressurized air is supplied to the chamber the elongated memberis pulled into the chamber; and maintaining a supply of pressurized airto force the elongated member from the chamber into the prepared portionof the conduit.

In another aspect, an apparatus for stranding a cable into a conduit.The apparatus including a housing constructed and arranged to enclose aportion of the conduit, the housing including a first coupling housingand a second coupling housing, the first coupling housing beingpivotally connected to the second coupling housing such that the housingmay be closed around the portion of the conduit; the first couplinghousing and the second coupling housing when closed defining a chamber,the chamber having a first open end to substantially conform to a firstportion of the conduit and having a second open end spaced from thefirst open end to substantially conform to a second portion of theconduit; a gas supply assembly on the housing configured to supply gasunder pressure to the chamber from a gas source; and an inlet assemblycoupled to one of the first open end and the second open end to supplythe cable into the conduit.

In a further aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for feeding anelongated member into a conduit. The apparatus comprises an elongatedhousing defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end, thefirst end configured and arranged to enclose a portion of the conduit,and the second end configured as a closed end. The elongated housingfurther has a first port in fluid communication with the chamber, asealing assembly in the first port having at least one opening throughthe sealing assembly in fluid communication with the chamber. The atleast one opening is configured and sized to receive and to feed theelongated member through the chamber and into the conduit. The apparatusfurther comprises a gas supply assembly on the elongated housingconfigured to supply gas under pressure to the chamber from a gassource.

The apparatus according to the invention may provide one or more of thefollowing. The at least one opening is an arcuate opening or anelongated slot. The elongated member is a duct constructed of a materialthat permits the duct to flatten. The duct defines an inner space sizedto receive at least one of a cable, a tape, a rope and a strength yarnwhen the duct is disposed within an interior of the conduit and is open.Alternatively, the duct defines a plurality of cells disposed therein,at least one cell defining an inner space sized to receive at least oneof a cable, a tape, a rope and a strength yarn when the duct is disposedwithin an interior of the conduit and is open. The first port of theelongated housing is disposed along the housing. The gas assembly is ina second port disposed along the housing in fluid communication with thechamber. The second port is disposed anterior to the first port.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for feedingan elongated member into a conduit. The apparatus comprises an elongatedhousing defining a chamber and having a first end and a second end. Thefirst end is configured and arranged to enclose a portion of theconduit, and the second end is configured and arranged to receive asealing assembly. The sealing assembly has at least one opening throughthe sealing assembly in fluid communication with the chamber, and the atleast one opening is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axisof the elongated housing, and is configured and sized to receive and tofeed the elongated member through the chamber and into the conduit. Theapparatus further comprises a gas supply assembly on the elongatedhousing configured to supply gas under pressure to the chamber from agas source.

The apparatus according to the invention may include one or more of thefollowing. The at least one opening is an arcuate opening or anelongated slot. The elongated member is a duct constructed of a materialthat permits the duct to flatten. The duct defines an inner space sizedto receive at least one of a cable, a tape, a rope and a strength yarnwhen the duct is disposed within an interior of the conduit and is open.Alternatively, the duct defines a plurality of cells disposed therein,at least one cell defining an inner space sized to receive at least oneof a cable, a tape, a rope and a strength yarn when the duct is disposedwithin an interior of the conduit and is open. The gas assembly is in asecond port disposed along the housing in fluid communication with thechamber. The second port is disposed anterior to the sealing assembly.

Various aspects of the invention may provide one or more of thefollowing advantages. An apparatus can be provided for applying amaterial, e.g., a detectable material, a detectable tape, a metallicservice or tracer wire or an elongated material, to a cable, e.g., anexisting, previously installed underground cable or a new or relocatedcable before installation. An apparatus can be provided for applying amaterial, e.g., a cable or a narrow, “mini” cable duct, into a conduit,e.g., an existing, previously installed conduit or a new or relocatedconduit. An apparatus for applying a material to a cable or into aconduit can be configured for portability and for ease of use in thefield, e.g., requires only one operator, for installation. A detectabletape can be applied to an underground dielectric cable wherein the tapecomprises a woven tape, including one or more metallic conductorscompatible with commercial detection equipment. The detectable tape canbe applied to an underground dielectric cable to help detect the cable.The tape generates a detectable electromagnetic field when an electricsignal is applied or transmitted to the cable by a remote transmitter.The electric and/or magnetic field that consequently emanates from themetallic conductor is detectable by receiving equipment to determine thelocation of the cable.

A reliable apparatus and an efficient method for applying a material,e.g., a detectable tape, a service or tracer wire, a cable or a cableduct, to a cable or into a conduit can be provided using compressed airto apply the material over the cable or into an innerduct of theconduit. An apparatus can be provided constructed and arranged to applya material over a long distance or span of a cable or a conduit. Theapparatus can be provided that helps to eliminate or to at leastminimize/reduce a need to thread and/or pull a material over a cable orthrough a conduit in the field.

An apparatus can be provided that can apply a material to a cable orinto a conduit over a long distance or span, e.g., over 2,500 feet. Theapparatus can be constructed and arranged to maintain a sufficientpressurization within the apparatus to force a material over a cable orinto a conduit. The apparatus can be further configured to helpeliminate or to at least minimize/reduce loss of air during use of theapparatus.

These and other advantages of the invention, along with the inventionitself, will be more fully understood after a review of the followingfigures, detailed description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for applying a material toa cable or into a conduit.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 from anopposite side.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the apparatus shown in FIGS.1–2 coupled to a conduit containing a cable.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a first or top couplinghalf of a housing of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1–3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective interior view of a portion of a second or bottomcoupling half of the housing of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1–2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective interior view of a portion of the first or topcoupling half of the housing shown in FIGS. 1–2.

FIG. 7A is a perspective interior view of a portion of the second orbottom coupling half of the housing shown in FIGS. 1–2 with an adaptercoupled to a portion of the conduit containing the cable.

FIG. 7B is a perspective exploded view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a perspective interior view of a portion of the second orbottom coupling half of the housing shown in FIGS. 1–2 with an adaptercoupled to a portion of the conduit containing the cable.

FIG. 8B is an exploded perspective view of the adapter shown in 8A.

FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of an inlet valve assembly.

FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective view of the inlet valve assemblyshown in FIG. 9A with an inlet seal.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an inlet valve assembly witha chamber and a baffle.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a projectile connected to a tape.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the projectile shown in FIG. 11Aconnected to a rod connected to a tape.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the projectile shown in FIG. 11Aincluding a plurality of cords.

FIG. 12 is a flow block diagram of a method for applying a material to acable or into a conduit.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the projectile shown in FIG. 11Cinserted into the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1–3 to apply a cable into aninnerduct of a conduit.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includinga sealing assembly.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the sealing assembly shown inFIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 15with a flattened duct inserted therethrough.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 14including the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 15 mounted to the firstcoupling half of the housing.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includinganother embodiment of the sealing assembly.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the sealing assembly shown inFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 21with a plurality of elongated members inserted therethrough.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 19including the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 20 mounted to the firstcoupling half of the housing.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includingyet another embodiment of the sealing assembly.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 25with a plurality of elongated members inserted therethrough.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 24including the sealing assembly shown in FIG. 25 mounted to the firstcoupling half of the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An apparatus is provided for applying different types of media to acable. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to apply an elongatedmaterial, e.g., a detectable tape, a service or tracer wire, a cable ora narrow “mini” cable duct sized to contain a cable for inclusion in aconduit innerduct. The apparatus is configured to couple with, e.g., toclamp to or to mount with, a new or existing cable or conduit. Theapparatus is particularly suited for applying a detectable tape to apreviously installed, underground cable. The apparatus couples to aportion of a conduit that has been prepared to expose a portion of acable contained within the conduit innerduct. Application of compressedgas, e.g., air, to the apparatus when coupled to the conduit pressurizesan interior of the apparatus. Pressurization of the apparatus causes theelongated material threaded through the apparatus to be applied into theinnerduct between the conduit and the cable. The apparatus thereby caninstall elongated material into a conduit without a need to cut or toremove an existing, installed cable contained therein. Other embodimentsare within the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1–2, in one aspect, an apparatus 10 is providedcomprising a housing 12, an air valve assembly 14 to supply pressurizedair to the housing 12, and an inlet valve assembly 16 to supply anelongated material, e.g., a detectable tape, to the housing 12 forapplication to a cable. The apparatus further includes movableconnectors 18 to permit the housing to open and to close, and a closingmechanism 20 to secure the housing 12 in a closed position, e.g., whenthe housing 12 is coupled to a conduit.

The housing 12 includes two coupling halves, a first or top couplinghalf 12 a and a second or bottom coupling half 12 b. The top half 12 ais movably connected to the bottom half 12 b by one or more movableconnectors 18, e.g., hinges, disposed along a first side 13 of thehousing 12. The top and the bottom halves 12 a and 12 b are disposed andconfigured to separate along a second side 17 of the housing 12 oppositeto the first side 13. The hinges 18 permit the top and the bottom halves12 a and 12 b to pivot along the first side 13 to open the housing 12along the second side 17. The hinged housing 12 allows the apparatus 10to open and to clamp over and around a conduit. The hinged housing 12can be positioned over a prepared site of a conduit, e.g., a portion ofa conduit jacket or casing cut and/or removed to expose a cablecontained therein, to couple with the conduit for application of anelongated material into an innerduct of the conduit.

The housing 12 is further configured to mount to an open terminal end ofa conduit. As described below in further detail, the housing 12 isconfigured to define an innerduct open end 30 at one end of the housing12. The innerduct open end 30 defines a circular cross-sectionconfigured to permit the innerduct open end 30 to receive a portion ofthe conduit substantially adjacent to its terminal end and to surroundthe portion of the conduit such that the housing mounts the conduit.Alternatively, the innerduct open end 30 can be aligned with and buttedagainst the open terminal end of the conduit to mount the housing 12 tothe open end of the conduit. In this context, a coupling can be usedthat is disposed and configured to align the innerduct end 30 with andto couple the innerduct end 30 to the open end of the conduit such thatthe innerduct end 30 and the open end are in fluid communication.

Referring to FIGS. 4–5, the top coupling half 12 a serves as a topportion of the housing 12 and provides one or more notches 15 a, e.g.,U-shaped notches, along the second side 17 of the housing 12. Similarly,the bottom coupling half 12 b serves as a bottom portion of the housing12 and provides one or more notches 15 b, e.g., U-shaped notches, alongthe second side 17 of the housing 12. When the housing 12 is in a closedposition, the notches 15 a of the top half 12 a substantially align withthe notches 15 b of the bottom half 12 b. The top and the bottom notches15 a and 15 b are disposed and configured to operatively couple to thesecuring mechanism 20 to secure the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 1, thesecuring mechanism 20 can include one or more screw-type threadedconnectors 15 c configured such that each top notch 15 a and itscorresponding bottom notch 15 b can receive one of the threadedconnectors 15 c.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom notches 15 b can provide a pair of bores15 d, each bore 15 d configured in one side of the notch 15 b oppositeto and aligned with the other bore 15 d. The bores 15 d of the bottomnotches 15 b are disposed and configured to receive a clamp rod (notshown). The clamp rod can be machined to provide one or more threadedbores (not shown) to receive a threaded portion of each screw-typethreaded connector 15 c. The bores 15 d of the bottom notches 15 breceive the clamp rod and position the clamp rod such that when the topnotches 15 a align with the bottom notches 12 b, each bore of the clamprod is aligned with one of the top and one of the bottom notches 15 aand 15 b. Each bore of the clamp rod can thereby receive the threadedportion of one of the threaded connectors 15 c. Each threaded connector15 c is threaded into one of the top notches 15 a through one of theclamp rod bores and into one of the bottom notches 15 b to secure thetop half 12 a to the bottom half 12 b. The configuration and arrangementof the notches 15 a and 15 b, the threaded connectors 15 c, the bores 15d and the clamp rod permit the housing 12 to be substantially securedaround a conduit, e.g., movement or slippage of the housing 12 aroundthe conduit is eliminated or at least minimized. Movement is eliminatedor at least minimized to the extent that any movement or slippage of thehousing 12 does not affect performance of the apparatus 10. Theinvention, however, is not limited to the configuration and arrangementof the notches 15 a and 15 b, the threaded connectors 15 c, the bores 15d and the clamp rod as described herein, but may incorporate otherconfigurations and devices to removably and securely connect the tophalf 12 a to the bottom half 12 b .

Referring to FIG. 3, the housing 12 can have dimensions to facilitateportability and to provide ease of use of the apparatus 10 in the field.In this aspect of the invention, the housing 12 includes a length L₁ ina range of from about 6 inches to about 36 inches, and a width W₁ in arange of from about 3 inches to about 8 inches. It is understood,however, that the apparatus 10 according to the invention, is notlimited with respect to the length L₁ and the width W₁, of the housing12 and can include the housing 12 with different dimensions toaccommodate different conduit sizes, e.g., widths, and different cablesystem designs.

The housing 12 is constructed of a material suitable for use in applyingdetectable materials to new cable and previously installed undergroundcable during installation and/or relocation. The material is suitablefor withstanding moisture, and is lightweight for facilitatingportability and ease of use in the field, e.g., easily installed andoperated by one operator. Suitable materials include, but are notlimited to, metals, e.g., aluminum and stainless steel, plastic, e.g.,reinforced plastic, and combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the housing 12 is in a closed position with thetop half 12 a mated with the bottom half 12 b, the top and the bottomhalves 12 a and 12 b define an interior chamber 28 within the housing12. The chamber 28 extends lengthwise along at least a portion of thelength L₁ of the housing 12. The chamber 28 terminates at opposite endsof the housing 12 such that the chamber 28 defines a first or innerductopen end 30 and a second or cable open end 32.

Referring also to FIGS. 5–6, each of the coupling halves 12 a and 12 bhas an interior surface 24 configured to conform to or mate with asubstrate, e.g., a portion of an outer surface of a conduit, a conduitjacket or casing, and/or a cable. The interior surface 24 of eachcoupling half 12 a and 12 b defines a shape, e.g., a curvedcross-section or a semi-circular cross-section, to permit the interiorsurfaces 24 of the top and bottom halves 12 a and 12 b to conform to orto mate with the substrate. As shown in FIGS. 5–6, the interior surface24 has a semi-circular cross-section. When the housing 12 is in a closedposition, the interior surfaces 24 define the chamber 28 having asubstantially circular-shaped cross-section and further define theinnerduct open end 30 and a cable open end 32 at each end of the chamber28. The innerduct open end 30 and the cable open end 32 each have asubstantially circular-shaped cross-section. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,the circular-shaped cross-section of the innerduct end 30 permits theinnerduct end 30 to clamp over and around a portion of a conduit 34. Thecircular-shaped cross-section of the cable end 32 permits the cable end32 to clamp over and around a portion of an exposed cable 36.

The innerduct open end 30 is further configured to mount the housing 12to a conduit. The innerduct end 30 can define a shape and a size toreceive a portion of a conduit adjacent to an open terminal end of theconduit. The innerduct end 30 receives the portion of the conduit tothereby couple the housing 12 to the open terminal end of the conduit.The innerduct end 30 is also configured to permit the innerduct end 30to align with and butt against the open terminal end to connect theinnerduct end 30 via a coupling. The coupling can be disposed andconfigured to align the innerduct end 30 with and to connect theinnerduct end 30 to the open end of the conduit such that the innerductend 30 and the open end of the conduit are in fluid communication. Theapparatus 10 can thereby apply an elongated material directly into aninnerduct of the conduit through the open terminal end 30 of theconduit.

Referring to FIG. 3, the chamber 28 has an inner diameter D₁ of fromabout 1 in. to about 4 in., and a length L₂ of from about 6 in. to about30 in. It is understood, however, that the housing 12 can provide thechamber 28 with different dimensions to accommodate different sizes,e.g., widths, of conduit and cable designs. In this aspect, the housing12 defines the chamber 28 with a diameter D₁ having sufficient size toallow the apparatus 10 to be used with a wide range of conduit sizes anddesigns, providing the apparatus 10 with versatility in applyingdetectable materials to different types of cable. As described herein infurther detail, the apparatus 10 can include one or more adapters seatedin the chamber 28 to help accommodate the differences between thedimensions of the chamber 28 and a conduit and/or a cable to which theapparatus 10 is clamped and secured to for installation of a detectabletape.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, grooves 38 are configured in interior matingsurfaces of the bottom coupling half 12 b adjacent to the first and thesecond sides 13 and 17 of the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 5, a pair ofgrooves 38 is configured in a mating surface of the bottom half 15 bwith one groove 38 on each side of the interior surface 24. Each groove38 extends substantially the length L₁ of the housing 12 and terminatesat each end of the housing 12 adjacent to the innerduct end 30 andadjacent to the cable end 32. Each groove 38 is configured to receive anelongated gasket 40. The gasket 40 is preferably constructed of adeformable material suitable for conforming to a shape of the groove 38,such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicone, vinyl, otherelastomeric materials or combinations thereof. When the housing 12 is ina closed position with the top half 12 a mated to the bottom half 12 band the securing mechanism 20 is engaged, the top and the bottom halves12 a and 12 b bias against the gaskets 40. The gaskets 40, thereby helpto form substantially airtight seals, e.g., seals that prevent all, atleast most of or a substantial portion of air within the chamber 28 fromventing from the housing 12 to the atmosphere.

Referring to FIGS. 5–6, the top and the bottom halves 12 a and 12 b eachinclude a channel 44 adjacent to the cable end 32 and the innerduct end30 of the housing 12. The channel 44 is configured in the interiorsurface 24 and traverses the interior surface in a substantiallyperpendicular orientation to the innerduct end 30 and the cable end 32).Each channel 44 is configured, e.g., has a concave shape and asemi-circular cross-section, to receive a gasket 42, e.g., having acircular cylindrical shape and a semicircular cross-section or U-shape.The gasket 42 is constructed of material suitable for conforming to theshape of the channels 44 including but not limited to, rubber, plastic,silicone, vinyl, other elastomeric materials or combinations thereof.Alternatively, the gasket 42 is constructed of material suitable forproviding strength and/or rigidity including, but not limited to,metals, e.g., aluminum. As shown in FIG. 3, when the housing 12 isclamped over and around a conduit and the securing mechanism 20 isengaged, the top and the bottom halves 12 a and 12 b bias against thegaskets 42. The gaskets 42 thereby help to form substantially airtightseals at the innerduct end 30 and the cable end 32, e.g., seals thatprevent all, at least most of or a substantial portion of air within thechamber 28 from venting from the innerduct end 30 and from the cable end32 to the atmosphere.

The substantially airtight seals, as described above, produced by thegrooves 38, the channels 44 and the gaskets 40 and 42 help to eliminateor at least help to minimize air loss from the housing 12 whencompressed air is delivered into the chamber 28 during use of theapparatus 10. The substantially airtight seals thereby help to maintaina pressure in the apparatus 10 within a desired range of pressure(s) andhelp to optimize the performance of the apparatus 10. In particular, thesubstantially airtight seals help to maintain a pressure in theapparatus 10 sufficient to apply or install a detectable material, e.g.,a detectable tape, to a cable extending over a long distance or span ofconduit, e.g., from about 50 feet to about 10,000 feet.

Referring to FIGS. 7A–7B, and also referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus 10further includes one or more adapters 50. In one aspect, the adapter 50is disposed and configured such that it is received by the interiorsurface 24 and sits in the chamber 38 adjacent to the innerduct end 30.The adapter 50 includes two halves 50 a and 50 b. Each half 50 a and 50b is configured, e.g., has a semi-circular cross-section, and is sized,e.g., has sufficient thickness or width, to substantially fill, e.g.,leaves little or no room, a space created between the interior surface24 and an outer housing of a conduit 34 when the housing 12 is clampedover and around the conduit 34.

Each half 50 a and 50 b of the adapter 50 provides one or more grooves52 that are configured in an outer surface 51 of each half 50 a and 50 bto define one or more female fittings 52 on the outer surface 51 of theadapter 50. Each female fitting 52 is configured and sized to mate witha rim 54. Each rim 54 is configured in the interior surface 24 anddisposed such that each rim 54 is aligned with each female fitting 52when the adapter halves 50 a and 50 b are connected and seated in thechamber 28. Each rim 54 is configured and sized such that thecorresponding female fitting 52 receives the rim 54 when the adapter 50is seated in the chamber 28 and the top and the bottom halves 12 a aremated to close the housing 12.

The adapter 50 further includes each half 50 a and 50 b configured toprovide an inner surface 57 having one or more protruding ridges 56,each ridge 56 traversing at least a portion of the inner surface 57 in adirection perpendicular to a length of the conduit 34. The ridges 56 ofthe inner surface 57 bias against a portion of the conduit 34 when thehousing 12 and the one or more adapters 50 are clamped around theconduit 34. The ridges 56 essentially bite against or into the portionof the conduit 34 to help secure the housing 12 to the conduit 34. Theridges 56 help to prevent movement or slippage of the apparatus 10,e.g., little or no movement of the apparatus 10 when the housing 12 isclamped around the conduit 34 and an exposed cable. The ridges 56 helpto immobilize the housing 12, thereby helping to prevent air loss fromthe apparatus 10 and to reduce a risk of damage to the exposed cableduring clamping of the housing 12 and use of the apparatus 10.

The adapter 50 further includes a channel 58 a and a gasket 58 bcombination disposed and configured in mating surfaces 50 c and 50 d ofthe adapter halves 50 a and 50 b. As shown in FIG. 8, the gasket 58 b isdisposed between a first mating surface 50 c of one adapter 50 b and asecond mating surface 50 d of the other adapter 50 a and received by thechannel 58 a defined by the first mating surface 50 c.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the adapter 50 is further configured to provide aninner surface 57 a disposed substantially adjacent to a terminal end ofeach half 50 a and 50 b of the adapter 50 and proximate to the chamber28 when the housing 12 is clamped over the conduit 34. The inner surface57 a receives or mates with an innerduct gasket 59. The innerduct gasket59 is disposed between the inner surface 57 a of the adapter 50 and theportion of the conduit 34 to which the housing 12 is clamped around.When the housing 12 and the adapter 50 is clamped around the portion ofthe conduit 34, the innerduct gasket 59 helps to prevent or at leasthelps to minimize air loss from the apparatus 10 at the interface of theadapter 50 and the conduit 34. The innerduct gasket 59 is constructed ofmaterial suitable for resisting deforming when the adapter 50 and theportion of the conduit 34 bias against the innerduct gasket 59 when thesecuring mechanism 20 is engaged to secure the housing 12 in a closedposition.

Referring to FIGS. 8A–8B, in another aspect, the outer surface 51 of theadapter 50 is smooth, e.g., does not include such configurations as thefemale fittings 52. Each half 50 a and 50 b of the adapter 50 furtherincludes a semi-circular shaped flange 53 a and 53 b. The flange 53 aand 53 b is configured such that when the adapter 50 is seated in thechamber 28, the flange 53 a and 53 b extends from each half 50 a and 50b of the adapter 50 at the innerduct end 30 of the housing 12. Theflange 53 a and 53 b is disposed and configured to couple with an end ofa conduit. The flange 53 a and 53 b is further disposed and configuredto permit the adapter 50 to surround and to enclose around a portion ofa conduit such that the housing 12 is coupled to the conduit. The flange53 a and 53 b is also configured to permit the adapter 50 to mount witha terminal end of the conduit to couple the housing 12 to the conduit.Each flange 53 a and 53 b includes one or more bore holes. Each borehole is configured to receive a connector or fastener 53 c and 53 d,e.g., a screw or a rivet, to secure the flange to the housing 12 whenthe adapter 50 is seated in the chamber 28 and the first and the secondcoupling halves 12 a and 12 b are mated.

In this aspect, the adapter 50 further includes an adapter seal 55 a and55 b disposed and configured to mate with the interior surface 57 a ofeach adapter half 50 a and 50 b when the adapter 50 is seated in thechamber 28 and the first and second coupling halves 12 a and 12 b aremated. When the apparatus 10 is installed on a conduit, the adapter seal55 a and 55 b is disposed anterior to the chamber 28 and between theinterior surface 57 a of the adapter 50 and an outer surface of theconduit. The adapter seal 55 a and 55 b helps to form a seal between theinner surface 57 a of the adapter 50 and the outer surface of theconduit. The seal is substantially-airtight and, as described above,helps to prevent air loss from the housing 12 and helps to secure thehousing 12 to a conduit during use of the apparatus 10.

The adapter 50 is constructed of a material suitable for use under moistconditions or in the presence of water, and/or in cold temperatures.Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, metals, e.g.,stainless steel or aluminum, plastic, e.g., reinforced plastic orcombinations thereof. The adapter 50 when seated in the chamber 28 helpsto accommodate the different diameters of conduit to which the apparatus10 is coupled.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, in one aspect, the apparatus 10 furthercomprises the inlet valve assembly 16 constructed and arranged tofacilitate a supply of an elongated material, e.g., a cable or adetectable tape, into the apparatus 10 for application of the elongatedmaterial into an innerduct of a conduit. The inlet valve assembly 16includes an inlet body 62 configured to couple with the port 60 in thetop coupling half 12 a of the housing 12, an inlet plug 64 configuredsuch that an open terminal end of the inlet body 62 removably receivesat least a portion of the inlet plug 64, and an inlet cap 66 configuredto removably connect to an open terminal end of the inlet plug 64.

The inlet body 62 has a substantially cylindrical body and a terminalportion configured, e.g., threaded, to removably connect, e.g., via acomplementarily threaded interior surface of the port 60, to the housing12. The inlet plug 64 has a substantially cylindrical member configuredsuch that the inlet plug 64 is received and contained by the inlet body62. As shown in FIG. 3, the inlet body 62 is configured such that itslidably receives and securely contains the inlet plug 64 to removablyconnect the inlet plug 64 to the housing 12. The inlet plug 64 serves tosubstantially seal the inlet body 62 and the port 60 when the inlet seal68 is not disposed in the inlet body 62. The inlet plug 64 is configuredto be interchange with the inlet seal 68, depending upon a mode of airsupply provided to the housing 12.

The inlet seal 68 is constructed and arranged to guide an elongatedmaterial into the inlet valve assembly 16 and to supply the elongatedmaterial to the chamber 28 of the apparatus 10. The inlet seal 68 isconfigured such that the inlet body 62 slidably receives and securelycontains the inlet seal 68. When contained by the inlet body 62, theinlet seal 68 is connected to the housing 12 and in fluid communicationwith the chamber 28 of the housing 12.

The inlet seal 68 includes a top portion 68 a and a bottom portion 68 b.The top and the bottom portions 68 a and 68 b are configured andarranged such that when the top portion 68 a is mated with and securedto the bottom portion 68 b, an elongated material, e.g., a tape,slidably passes between the top portion 68 a and the bottom portion 68 band thereby is guided into the inlet valve assembly 16.

Each of the top portion 68 a and the bottom portion 68 b includes ahousing 65, a plate 69 and a gasket 67 disposed between the housing 65and the plate 69. When the top portion 68 a is mated with the bottomportion 68 b, the plate 69 of the top portion 68 a is parallel andadjacent to the plate 69 of the bottom portion 68 b. The plate 69includes a narrow thickness of about 0.125 inches and is constructed ofa metal, e.g., aluminum. The gasket 67 includes a narrow thickness ofabout 0.125 and is construct of a deformable material, e.g., rubberfoam. The housing 65, the plate 69 and the gasket 67 are held togethervia a connector 61, e.g., a rivet, while the plate 69 and the gasket 67are movably connected to the housing 65 to permit the plate 69 and thegasket 67 to pivot back and forth at the rivet 61.

The inlet cap 66 includes a portion configured, e.g., threaded, toremovably connect, e.g., via a complementarily threaded interiorsurface, to the inlet body 62. The inlet cap 66 defines an interiorwidth or diameter configured and sized to permit insertion of anelongated material therethrough.

The inlet seal 68 is configured to help prevent air loss from thehousing 12 and thereby to help prevent loss of operating pressure duringuse of the apparatus 10. As noted above, the plate 69 and the gasket 67are disposed and configured to be movably connected to each of the topand the bottom portions 68 a and 68 b of the inlet seal 68. The plate 69and the gasket 67 are sufficiently movable to help facilitate anelongated material to be slidably inserted through the inlet valveassembly 16 into the housing 12, e.g., via pressurized air, while beingdisposed parallel and adjacent to each other in close proximitysufficient to prevent a substantial air loss. e.g., air loss from thehousing 12 that would lower pressure of the housing 12 to below anappropriate operating pressure.

The inlet seal 68 is configured and sized to accommodate a configurationand a size of an elongated material being applied to a conduit. Further,the inlet body 62 and/or the inlet cap 66 can be configured and sized toaccommodate varying sizes of the inlet seal 68 to removably connect theinlet seal 68 to the housing. The inlet seal 68 can include a length offrom about 0.5 in. to about 12 in., and preferably about 3 inches, andcan include a width of from about 0.25 inches to about 3 inches, andpreferably about 1 inch.

When the inlet valve assembly 16 is mounted to the housing 12, the inletseal 68 is in fluid communication with the chamber 28 of the housing 12.An elongated material is inserted, e.g., manually by an operator, intothe inlet cap 66 and into the inlet seal 68. Depending upon a materialof construction of an elongated material, and its consequent weight,flexibility or other physical characteristics, an elongated material canbe further inserted through the port 60 into the chamber 28. Supplyingpressurized air to the chamber 28 pressurizes the chamber 28 and forcesan elongated material through the chamber 28 and into an innerduct of acable. Depending on at which point an elongated material is insertedinto the inlet valve assembly 16 or the chamber 28, the pressurized aircan either draw the material inserted in the inlet valve assembly 16into the chamber 28, and thereafter force the material into aninnerduct, or the pressurized air can force the material inserted intothe chamber 28 from the chamber 28 into an innerduct. As described infurther detail below, the elongated material can be connected to aprojectile that is configured to capture pressurized air in the chamber28 such that the projectile is forced from the chamber 28 into aninnerduct of a conduit, thereby pulling the attached elongated memberthrough the innerduct.

For example, a detectable tape, e.g., a polyester fiber woven tapeincluding metallic conductors, can be inserted into the inlet valveassembly 16 and through the port 60 into the chamber 28 of the housing.The detectable tape can require a means by which it is forced bypressurized air from the chamber 28 into an innerduct. As describedbelow in further detail, a projectile can be attached to an end of thedetectable tape and can be configured to respond to pressurized air,e.g., expand or inflate upon contact with pressurized air, such that theprojectile captures the pressurized air and is forced or projectedthrough an innerduct by the pressurized air, thereby pulling thedetectable tape therethrough.

In another example, the elongated material can include a material canrequire the projectile, e.g., a cable or a narrow “mini” cable duct. Acable or a “mini” cable duct can have dimensions such that the cable orthe cable duct may require the projectile to pull the cable or the“mini” duct through the chamber 28 into an innerduct of a conduit.

Referring to FIGS. 1–2 and FIG. 10, in another aspect, the inlet valveassembly 19 includes an alternative construction and arrangement. Theinlet valve assembly 19 includes a top portion 79 a and a bottom portion79 b that define, when mated, a throughput slot 70 and a valve chamber78. As shown in FIG. 10, the top portion 79 a can be secured to thebottom portion 79 b by connectors 77, e.g., threaded screw-typeconnectors. Each connector 77 is received by a bore 75 in the topportion 79 a and received by a corresponding threaded bore 75 in thebottom portion 79 b aligned with the bore 75 of the top portion 79 a.The chamber 78 contains a baffle plate 72 that is anchored within theassembly 19 by a base plate 74 such that the baffle plate 72 resideswithin the chamber 78.

The assembly 19 further includes an adapter 71 disposed at a terminalend of the assembly 16 and configured to facilitate insertion of theassembly 19 into a port 60 provided by the top coupling half 12 a of thehousing 12, as shown in FIGS. 1–2. The port 60 is disposed andconfigured to receive the assembly 16 such that the throughput slot 70and the valve chamber 78 are in fluid communication with the chamber 28of the housing 12. The port 60 can be provided at an angle relative tothe top coupling half 12 a to help facilitate insertion of thedetectable tape into the throughput slot 70 and the valve chamber 78.The adapter 71 is further configured and sized to removably connect theinlet valve assembly 16 to the housing 12. An interior surface of theadapter 71 and an interior surface of the port 60 are substantiallysmooth, e.g., substantially devoid of edges, scratches or particulates,to help to facilitate movement of a detectable tape through the inletvalve assembly 19 and through the port 60 into the chamber 28 of thehousing 12. Other configurations and arrangements of the assembly 19 andthe port 60 are within the scope of the invention.

The slot 70 and the chamber 78 are configured and sized substantiallysimilar to a material to be applied to a cable. The size andconfiguration of the slot 70 and the chamber 78 help to facilitate agood fit of the material, e.g. a detectable tape, while allowing thematerial to slide through the slot 70 and the chamber 78 for insertioninto the chamber 28 of the housing 12. The slot 70 and the chamber 78can include slightly larger dimensions than the material to help permitthe material to pass through the slot 70 and the chamber 78 when drawninto the chamber 28 of the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 10, the slot 70and the chamber 78 are elongated and have a rectangular cross-sectionsubstantially similar to a detectable tape. The chamber 78 can include alength of from about 0.5 in. to about 12 in., and preferably about 3inches, and can include a width of from about 0.25 inches to about 3inches, and preferably about 1 inch.

As shown in FIG. 10, the baffle 72 is an elongated member attached to abase plate 74. The base plate 74 is anchored by a top plate 73 to asurface 76 of the valve chamber 78 near the throughput slot 70 tosecurely seat the baffle 72 in the chamber 78. The elongated member ofthe baffle 72 can include an angle, e.g., a bend or crease. When thebaffle 72 is securely seated in the valve chamber 78, the baffle 72 isdisposed at a narrow angle and is oriented in relation to the throughputslot 70 to permit a detectable tape to thread over the baffle 72. When aportion of a detectable tape is inserted into the throughput slot 70,attached to a projectile, and pressurized air is supplied to the chamber28 of the housing 12, the detectable tape is pulled through thethroughput slot 70 and is carried over the baffle 72 into the chamber28. The baffle 72 is constructed of a material suitable for producing aflexible and strong member that can deflect in response to air, canwithstand a constant friction as the detectable tape slides through theinlet valve assembly in contact with the baffle 72 and can be easilyinstalled. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, a metal,e.g., aluminum.

As noted above, when the assembly 19 is mounted to the housing 12, theslot 70 and the valve chamber 78 are in fluid communication with thechamber 28 of the housing 12. A detectable tape or other elongatedmaterial can be inserted into the slot 70. Supplying pressurized air tothe chamber 28 pressurizes the chamber 28 and creates a drawing actionthat forces the projectile through the chamber 28 which action pulls theelongated material through the slot 70 into the valve chamber 78 towardthe chamber 28 of the housing 12.

The throughput slot 70 can be further configured with a narrow, lowtolerance to help to prevent or to at least minimize/reduce air lossfrom the apparatus 10 at the cable end 32 of the housing 12 when theapparatus is in use and the housing 12 is pressurized.

The inlet valve assembly 19 is disposed and configured to help preventor to at least minimize/reduce air loss from the apparatus 10 throughthe inlet valve assembly 16. The cable end 32 of the housing 12 and thethroughput slot 70 are areas that present the greatest potential for airloss from the apparatus 10. Preventing or at least minimizing/reducingair loss from these areas, therefore, is important to effectiveperformance of the apparatus 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus further includes the air valveassembly 14 to supply pressurized air to the chamber 28. The air valveassembly 14 is disposed anterior to the inlet valve assembly 16 andincludes an air valve 82 coupled to a pressure gage and an air pipe 84configured to removably connect to an external supply of compressed air.The air valve assembly 14 is configured and arranged to connect to aport 80 machined in the top coupling half 12 a of the housing 12. Theport 80 can include a threaded surface, e.g., a threaded interiorsurface, to receive a portion of the air valve 82 complementarilythreaded such that the portion of the air valve 82 can thread into theport 80 to removably connect the air valve 82 to the housing 12.Similarly, a portion of the air pipe 84 can include a threaded surfaceto thread to a complementarily threaded surface of the air valve 82 toremovably connect the air pipe 84 to the air valve 82. The air pipe isfurther configured to removably attach to an air hose for connection apressurized air source. The air pipe 82 and the air valve 84 areconfigured and disposed for fluid communication with the chamber 28.

An air guide 86 can be disposed in the chamber 28 at an entry point ofthe port 80 into the chamber 28. The air guide 86 can be connected tothe interior surface 24 of the housing 12 such that it is proximate tothe port 80 and thereby proximate to pressurized air being suppliedthrough the port 80. The air guide 86 is configured to help guide thepressurized air in a direction anterior to the inlet valve assembly 16and 19. As shown in FIG. 3, the air guide can include an angled, planarsurface facing the port 80 in order to help deflect pressurized air.

As shown in FIG. 1–4, the port 80 is constructed and arranged in thehousing 12 such that the air valve assembly 14 is connected to thehousing 12 at an angle and anterior to the inlet valve assembly 16. Theposition and the orientation of the air valve assembly 14 in relation tothe inlet valve assembly 16 permits the air valve assembly 14 to supplypressurized air to the chamber 28 in front of the inlet assembly 16.Supplying pressurized air in front of the inlet assembly 16, and therebyin front of a detectable tape progressing through the inlet assembly 16,permits the air valve assembly 14 to supply air along a path of leastresistance.

Referring to FIG. 2, a safety valve 11 is provided and configured forremovable connection to the housing 12. The safety valve 11 serves as adevice that activates when a pressure within the chamber 28 of thehousing 12 rises above a certain pressure at which the safety valve 11is rated. The safety valve 11 activates by releasing a top portion ofits housing to release pressure from within the chamber 28. During useof the apparatus 10, should a pressure within the chamber 28 rise abovea certain desired pressure, e.g., a pressure rating of the safety valve11, the safety valve will release the top portion to vent excesspressure from the apparatus 10.

Referring to FIGS. 11A–11C, the apparatus 10 can be used in combinationwith an innerduct projectile 81. The innerduct projectile connects to amaterial 83, e.g., a detectable tape, to be applied to a conduit andserves as a means to help pressurized air force the detectable tape 83through the chamber 28 and into an innerduct of a conduit to therebyapply the detectable tape 83 to the conduit. Air pressure supplied tothe chamber 28 forces the innerduct projectile 81, with the detectabletape 83 attached, from the chamber 28 and into an innerduct.

As shown in FIGS. 11A–11C, the innerduct projectile 81 includes a shape,e.g., a cone shape or a parachute shape, to expand or to enlarge inresponse to contact with pressurized air and to thereby capture thepressurized air. A force of the pressurized air in contact with theprojectile causes the projectile to progress through the chamber 28 andinto an innerduct of a conduit.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the projectile 81 can further include anattachment rod 85 to connect a detectable tape to the projectile 81. Theprojectile 81 can further include one or more reinforcing members 83,e.g., rigid threads, along its length to help provide strength to theprojectile 81 and to help enable the projectile 81 to retain its shapewhen forced through the chamber 28 and an innerduct.

As shown in FIG. 11C, the projectile 81 can also include one or morecords 89 connected at one end to an edge of the projectile 81 andconnected at another end to the detectable tape 83. When the projectile89 expands in response to contact with pressurized air, the cords 89help the projectile 81 retain its position and its shape such that theprojectile 81 can capture the pressurized air and help the detectabletape progress through an innerduct. The cords 89 help to prevent theprojectile 89 from inverting in response to the pressurized air, whichcan inhibit the progression of the detectable tape through a conduit.

In operation, referring to FIG. 12, with further reference to FIG. 3, aprocess 100 for applying a material, e.g., a detectable cable tapehaving a metallic component, into a conduit or cable, e.g., anunderground dielectric cable includes the stages shown. The process 100,however, is exemplary only and not limiting. The process 100 can bealtered, e.g., by having stages added, removed or rearranged.

At stage 105, an area of a conduit is prepared, e.g., splicing theconduit and/or removing a portion of the conduit jacket sufficient toexpose a portion of a cable 36 contained therein, such that a detectabletape can be inserted into an innerduct 31 of the conduit 34.

At stage 110, the apparatus 10 couples to the prepared area of theconduit 34 such that the chamber 28 encloses the area and, inparticular, a portion of the exposed cable 36. The chamber 28 couples ata first end of the area to the conduit 34 and couples at a second end ofthe area to the cable 36 extending through the conduit 34.

At stage 115, the detectable tape is threaded into the inlet valve 68and through the port 60, and thereafter connected to the projectile 81.

At stage 120, the closing mechanism 20 is engaged to securely connectthe first and the second coupling halves 12 a and 12 b of the housing12.

At stage 125, the chamber 28 at the first end, e.g., the innerduct end30, is sealed, e.g., with the adapter 50 disposed and configured to filla space between the interior surface 24 of the chamber 28 and an outersurface of the conduit 34, to effect a substantially airtight seal, asdescribed herein, between the housing 12 and the conduit 34. The firstend of the area of the conduit 34 includes a conduit jacket enclosing acable 36 contained in the innerduct 31.

At stage 130, the chamber 28 at the second end, e.g., the cable end 32,is sealed, e.g., with the gasket 42 disposed and configured to fill aspace between the interior surface 24 of the chamber 28 and an outersurface of the cable 36. A substantially airtight seal, as describedherein, between the housing 12 and the cable 36 is produced.

At stage 135, the air valve assembly 14 supplies pressurized air to thechamber 28 to pressurize the chamber 28. Pressurized air is deliveredinto the chamber 28 anterior to the inlet valve assembly 16 to supplyair in front of the inlet assembly 16. Air pressure within the chamber28 helps to force the projectile 81 through the chamber 28 and into theinnerduct 31. Pressurized air is supplied to the chamber 28 in a rangeof from about 5 psi to about 125 psi, and preferably about 80 psi.

At stage 140, the application of the pressurized air to the chamber 28is maintained such that the pressurized air in the chamber 28 forces theprojectile 81 through the innerduct 31 between the conduit 34 and thecable 36.

Referring to FIG. 13, in another aspect, the apparatus 10 according tothe invention, is provided for installing a cable or a narrow “mini”cable duct 95 to an occupied or unoccupied conduit innerduct 96. Anarrow “mini” cable duct 95 can include an innerduct having a narrowdiameter less than a diameter of an innerduct of a conduit. A cable canbe installed into the “mini” duct 95 before or after the duct 95 hasbeen installed into the conduit innerduct. One or more narrow ducts 95can be installed into a conduit innerduct for applying one or morecables to the conduit through the cable open end 32 of the housing 12.

In this context, the port 60 provided by the housing 12 disposed andconfigured to receive the air inlet assembly 16 is sealed, e.g., usingthe inlet plug 64, or eliminated from the housing 12. The open cable end32 serves as an entry point into an innerduct of a conduit to insert andto install a cable to an innerduct. The open cable end 32 can include agasket 90 disposed at an interior surface of the housing 12 adjacent tothe cable end 32. The gasket 90 is configured to seat in a groove (notshown) machined in the interior surface 24 of each of the top and thebottom coupling halves 12 a and 12 b adjacent to the cable end 32. Eachgroove includes a size and a shape to receive a portion of the gasket90. Each groove is aligned in the interior surface 24 with anothergroove. When the gasket 90 is seated in the grooves and the apparatus 10is closed, the top and the bottom coupling halves 12 a and 12 b coupleand the grooves and the gasket 90 conform to and mate with an outerdiameter of a cable 95. As shown in FIG. 13, the gasket 90 has a widthsufficient to permit the gasket 90 to fill a volume or void, e.g.,provide little or no room, between an inner diameter of the housing 12and the outer diameter of the cable 95. The configuration and theorientation of the gasket 90 helps to form a substantially airtightseal, e.g., a seal that prevents all, at least most of or a substantialportion of air to remain within the housing 12.

If necessary to install the cable or the “mini” duct 95 into theinnerduct 96, the cable or the “mini” duct 95 can be attached to theinnerduct projectile 81 shown in FIGS. 11A–11C. Compressed air issupplied to the chamber 28 through the air inlet assembly 14 topressurize the chamber 28. The pressurized air forces the projectile 81and the cable or the duct 95 attached thereto from the chamber 28 intothe innerduct 96. The apparatus 10 is constructed and arranged to forcethe projectile 81 with the cable or the “mini” duct 95 attached theretoover a span of the innerduct 96, e.g. including a distance or a span offrom 5 feet to 10,000 feet.

Referring to FIG. 14, in a further aspect, the invention provides asealing assembly 200 for use with the apparatus 10 to apply an elongatedmember 202 to a conduit 34. The sealing assembly 200 is configured andarranged to adapt the apparatus 10 for use in applying, for instance, aflexible elongated member 202, e.g., a textile duct, a detection tape, arope, a strength yarn or similar member, into an interior 34A of aconduit 34. The sealing assembly 200 is constructed and arranged suchthat when the assembly 200 is disposed with the apparatus 10, thesealing assembly 200 places the chamber 28 in fluid communication withan area external to the apparatus 10. In one embodiment, the sealingassembly 200 is configured and arranged to couple with the cable openend 32 of the apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 14. In one embodiment, thesealing assembly 200 is configured and arranged such that it occupiesthe cable open end 32. The sealing assembly 200 is further configuredand disposed to permit the flexible member 202 to thread or feed throughthe assembly 200 into the chamber 28 of the apparatus 10 for applicationof the member 202 into the conduit interior 34A.

Referring to FIGS. 15–16, the sealing assembly 200 includes an outsidering 204, a spacer 206 and a center filler 208. The ring 204 defines anaperture 202 having a width W₂ sized to slidably receive at least aportion of the spacer 206. The ring 204 is further configured and sizedsuch that when the assembly 200 is disposed or seated in the housing 12,an external surface 201 of the ring 204 conforms to and mates with aportion of the inner surface 24 of the chamber 28 of the apparatus 10.As shown in FIGS. 15–16, in one embodiment, the ring 204 is a hollowcylindrical member having a circular cross-section.

The spacer 206 is configured such that it slidably inserts into theaperture 202 of the ring 204. The spacer 206 has a width W₃ sized topermit at least a portion of the spacer 206 to slidably insert into theaperture 202. The spacer 206 is configured and sized such that when thespacer 206 is inserted into the aperture 202, an outer surface 205 ofthe spacer 206 conforms to an inner surface 203 of the ring 204 to matethe spacer 206 with the ring 204. The spacer 206 is further configuredto slidably receive the center filler 208. In one embodiment, the spacer206 has a U-shaped configuration and a semicircular cross-section.

The center filler 208 is configured such that it slidably inserts intothe spacer 206. The filler 208 has a width W₄ sized to permit at least aportion of the filler 208 to slidably insert into the spacer 206. Thefiller 208 is further configured and sized such that when the filler 208is disposed with the spacer 206, the outer surface 209 of the filler 208conforms to the inner surface 207 of the spacer 206 to mate the filler208 with the spacer 206. In one embodiment, the center filler 208 is acylindrical member having a circular cross-section and two closedterminal ends at opposite ends of the member. The center filler 208couples to the spacer 206 to form a filler assembly 211. As shown inFIG. 15, the filler assembly 211 is disposed in and coupled to the ring204. When the filler assembly 211 couples to the ring 204, the centerfiller 208 and the ring 204 define an opening 214. The opening 214, asdescribed below in further detail, is sized and configured to accept orreceive the flexible elongated member 202. The opening 214 is disposedand arranged in fluid communication with the chamber 28. The inventionis not limited to the construction and arrangement of the fillerassembly 211, as shown in FIG. 15, including the center filler 208 andthe spacer 206, but anticipates that the filler assembly 211 caninclude, for instance, a single component or unit in which the opening214 is defined and disposed in fluid communication with the chamber 28and is sized and configured to accept or receive the flexible elongatedmember 202.

As shown in FIG. 16, the ring 204 telescopically receiving the spacer206, and the spacer 206 telescopically receiving the filler 208 formsthe seal assembly 200 shown in FIG. 15. The assembly 200 furtherincludes a fastener 210, e.g., a screw, a bolt or the like, disposedwith the assembly 200 and configured to join and to securely connect thering 204, the spacer 206 and the filler 208 when mated to form theassembly 200. In one embodiment, each of the ring 204, the spacer 206and the filler 208 define a bore 212 a, 212 b and 212 c having a similardiameter. The fastener 210 is configured and sized to slidably insertinto each of the bores 212 a, 212 b and 212 c. When the ring 204, thespacer 206 and the filler 208 are assembled and the bores 212 a, 212 band 212 c are aligned, the fastener 210 can be inserted into each bore212 a, 212 b and 212 c to join and securely connect the ring 204, thespacer 206 and the filler 208 as a unit. In one embodiment, the fastener210 includes a bolt 210 having multiple threads defined in an outersurface that are complementary to multiple threads defined in an innersurface of each bore 212 a, 212 b and 212 c such that the bolt 210 canbe threaded into one of the bores 212 a, 212 b and 212 c.

Referring to FIG. 17, and with further reference to FIGS. 15–16, whencomponents of the sealing assembly 200 are coupled to form the assembly200 shown in FIG. 15, at least a portion of the outer surface 209 of thecenter filler 208 and at least a portion of the inner surface 203 of thering 204 define the opening 214. In one embodiment, the opening 214 isdisposed in the assembly 200 opposite to the bores 212 a, 212 b and 212c and the fastener 210. As shown in FIG. 17, the opening 214 isconfigured and sized to slidably receive the elongated member 202 suchthat the member 202 can be inserted into the opening 214 on one side ofthe assembly 200 and threaded or fed through the opening 214 to emergefrom another opposite side of the assembly 200. In one embodiment, theopening 214 is an arcuate opening 214. The extent of the arcuate opening214 may be chosen as suitable for introducing different sizes and/orconfigurations of elongated members 202 into the conduit interior 34A.The opening 214 according to the invention, however, is not limited toan arcuate configuration and shape, but may include other configurationsand/or sizes depending on the configurations, shapes and sizes of theflexible elongated member 202. For instance, in one embodiment, theopening 214 is an elongated straight slot defined in the assembly 200 ata horizontal or vertical orientation.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, in one embodiment, the arcuate opening 214is configured and sized to receive the flexible elongated member 202configured and arranges as a textile duct or a detectable tape, and isfurther configured to permit the member 202 to thread or feedtherethrough into the chamber 28. In one embodiment, the opening 214 isconfigured and sized to fit to the elongated member 202, e.g., theopening 214 has dimensions permitting the elongated member 202 to occupymost of an area defined by the opening 214, while allowing the opening214 to slidably receive the elongated member 202 and to thread or feedthe member 202 through the opening 214 into the chamber 28. In oneembodiment, the arcuate opening 214 is configured and sized to slidablyreceive and to fit to a textile duct constructed of a material thatpermits the duct to deform, e.g., flatten, and is further configured tothread or feed the textile duct therethrough into the chamber 28. Thetextile duct can include, for example, a conduit insert having multiplecompartments or cells, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,201 and U.S.Pat. No. 6,262,371, and as commercially available from TVC of Annville,Pa., and sold as MAXCELL®. The conduit insert is constructed of multiplelayers of pliant material and configured to form a duct-like inserthaving one or more compartments or cells disposed therein. The one ormore compartments or cells are configured and sized to contain one ormore cables, tapes, e.g., detectable tape, and/or ropes, e.g., cablepulling rope. The layers of the pliant material enable the conduitinsert to deform to a shape necessary for application of the insert intoa conduit. In one embodiment, the arcuate opening 214 is configured andsized to receive and to fit to such a multi-layer, multi-cell conduitinsert when the insert is deformed, e.g., flattened. The opening 214 isfurther configured to permit the flattened insert to thread or feedthrough the opening 214 into the chamber 28 of the apparatus 10 and intothe conduit interior 34A. The insert can then be raised and/or inflatedsuch that the layers of material define the compartments or cellsconfigured and sized to contain one or more cables, tapes, e.g.,detectable tape, and/or ropes, e.g., cable pulling rope.

The invention is not limited with respect to size and configuration ofthe ring 204, the spacer 206 and the filler 208 components of the sealassembly 200, but anticipates that one or more of the ring 204, thespacer 206 and the filler 208 can have other configurations and sizessuch that the opening 214 defined is configured and sized to accommodatea desired type or design of elongated member to be applied or insertedinto the interior 34A of the conduit 34.

Referring to FIG. 18, in another embodiment, the seal assembly 200 canbe disposed in the top half 12 a of the housing 12 of the apparatus 10.The position of the seal assembly 200, in this embodiment, can depend onthe ability of an operator in the field to gain access to an end portionof one or more cables and/or an end portion of a conduit having one ormore cables disposed therein. The port 60 provided on the top half 12 aof the housing 12 of the apparatus 10 can be configured and arranged tocouple with the seal assembly 200 to mount the assembly 200 to the tophalf 12 a of the apparatus 10. In one embodiment, the port 60 can beconfigured and sized to receive the ring 204 such that an inner surfaceof the port 60 conforms to and mates with the external surface 201 ofthe ring 204 thereby mounting the ring 204 in the port 60. The assemblyis formed by inserting the filler assembly 211 into the ring 204. Thetop mounted assembly 200 permits the flexible elongated member 202 to bethreaded or fed into the chamber 28 of the apparatus 10 through the tophalf 12 a of the housing 12.

The ring 204, the spacer 206 and/or the filler 208 of the assembly 200can be constructed of one or more materials suitable for use with cable.A suitable material can withstand moist and wet conditions and isrelatively lightweight to facilitate portability of the apparatus 10. Asuitable material includes, but is not limited to, aluminum, stainlesssteel, plastic, reinforced plastic, and combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 19, in another aspect, the invention provides asealing assembly 300 for use with the apparatus 10 to apply one or moreelongated tubular members to a conduit 34. The sealing assembly 300 isconfigured and arranged to adapt the apparatus 10 for applying, forinstance, one or more cables 302 and/or “micro” ducts 304 into theconduit 34. The sealing assembly 300 is configured and arranged suchthat when the assembly 300 is coupled to the apparatus 10, the assembly300 is in fluid communication with the chamber 28 of the housing 12. Inone embodiment, the assembly 300 is configured and arranged to seat inthe housing 12. In one embodiment, the assembly 300 is configured andsized to couple to or to occupy the cable open end 32 of the housing 12.

Referring to FIGS. 20–21, the sealing assembly 300 includes a housing306, a seal 308 and a cap 310. The housing 306 is configured and sizedsuch that when the assembly 300 is disposed or seated in the housing 12,an external surface 305 of the housing 306 conforms to and mates with aportion of the inner surface 24 of the apparatus 10. In one embodiment,the housing 306 includes a U-shaped flange having a semi-circularcross-section and a width W₅ sized to accommodate the seal 308 and thecap 310. The housing 306 is further configured to mate with the cap 310.In one embodiment, the housing 306 further provides one or moreapertures 328 extending through an upper portion of the flange of thehousing 306. The one or more apertures 328 are configured and sized toreceive one or more elongated tubular members, e.g., one or more cables302 or “micro” ducts 304. In one embodiment, the one or more apertures328 are disposed in the housing 306 such that when the housing 306 isdisposed or seated in the apparatus 10, the apertures 328 position theone or more cables 302 and/or ducts 304 substantially in alignment witha longitudinal axis of the apparatus 10.

The cap 310 is configured and sized such that when the assembly 300 isdisposed or seated in the apparatus 10, an external surface 311 of thecap 310 conforms to and mates with at least a portion of the innersurface 24 of the apparatus 10. In one embodiment, the cap 306 providesa U-shaped flange having a semi-circular cross-section and a width W₆sized to accommodate the seal 308 and the housing 306. The cap 310 isfurther configured to mate with the housing 306.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, in one embodiment, the housing 306 and thecap 310 are configured and sized to mate to form a unit such that thehousing 306 mated to the cap 310 can be disposed or seated between thecoupling halves 12 a and 12 b of the apparatus 10. As shown in theexploded view of the assembly 300 in FIG. 20, a portion 312 of the cap310 is configured to mate with the housing 306 and includes planarterminal ends 312 a of the U-shaped flange. The terminal ends 312 a areconfigured and sized to fit flush with planar terminal ends 313 a of aportion 313 of the U-shaped flange of the housing 306. The ends 312 a ofthe cap 310 conform to and mate with the ends 313 a of the housing 306to form a unit. In one embodiment, the housing 306 and the cap 310further include one or more bores to receive one or more fasteners 314,e.g., screws, bolts or the like, to securely join the housing 306 andthe cap 310. The housing 306 can include a bore 316 on each side. Eachbore 316 can align with a second bore 318 in each of the terminal ends312 a of the cap 310 such that when the housing 306 and the cap 310 aremated, the bores 316 and 318 are aligned and each bore 316 and 318 canreceive a fastener 314, e.g., a threaded bolt. In one embodiment, thebolt 314 can be threaded and have multiple threads in an externalsurface that are complementary to multiple threads in surfaces of thebores 316 and 318.

When the housing 306 and the cap 310 are mated, an inner surface 322 ofthe housing 306 and an inner surface 320 of the cap 310 define anopening 324. The opening 324 is configured and sized to receive and tocouple to the seal 308 when the seal 308 is disposed between the housing306 and the cap 310 to form the assembly 300. As shown in FIG. 21, inone embodiment, the inner surfaces 320 and 322 of the cap 310 and thehousing 306 define a substantially circular opening 324. When theassembly 300 is seated in the housing 12, the opening 324 is in fluidcommunication with the chamber 28.

The seal 308 includes a hollow member open at each terminal end. Theseal 308 is configured and sized to couple to and mate with the housing306 and the cap 310. In one embodiment, the seal 308 is a cylindricalmember having a circular cross-section and is configured and sized toseat in and mate with the opening 324. In one embodiment, the seal 308is sized to accommodate, e.g., substantially fill, an area defined bythe opening 324. In one embodiment, the seal 308 is constructed of aflexible material, e.g., a rubber, a plastic, or a rubber or plasticfoam, and is split along one side 326 to permit the seal 308 to clamparound a cable 302 or a duct 304 to be applied or inserted into theconduit interior 34A.

Referring to FIG. 22, and in further reference to FIG. 20, in oneembodiment, the assembly 300 can accept one or more cables 302 and/or“micro” ducts 304. As noted above, the housing 306 can provide the oneor more apertures 328, each configured and sized to slidably receive acable 302 or a duct 304. The configuration of the assembly 300,therefore, permits the apparatus 10 to be adapted for use in applyingmore than one type of cable 302 and/or duct 304 to the conduit 34 duringone application operation. As shown in FIG. 20, the assembly 300 can beseated in the housing 12 to couple to or to occupy the cable open end 32of the apparatus 10 and can provide the cable 302 and/or the ducts 304into the chamber 28 of the apparatus 10 for insertion into the conduit34.

The housing 306 and the cap 310 can be constructed of one or morematerials suitable for use with cable and in moist or wet conditions. Asuitable material includes, but is not limited to, aluminum, stainlesssteel, plastic, reinforced plastic or any combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 23, in one embodiment, the sealing assembly 300 isdisposed in the top half 12 a of the housing 12 of the apparatus 10. Theport 60 provided by the top half 12 a of the housing 12 is configuredand sized to receive and to contain the sealing assembly 300 such thatthe assembly 300 is in fluid communication with the chamber 28 and canprovide one or more cables 302 and/or ducts 304 into the chamber 28through the port 60.

Referring to FIGS. 24–25, in still another aspect, the inventionprovides a sealing assembly 400 for adapting the apparatus 10 to applyone or more elongated tubular members 401, e.g., one or more cables or“micro” ducts, into the conduit 34. The sealing assembly 400 can beconfigured and sized to seat in the housing 12 in fluid communicationwith the chamber 28. In one embodiment, the assembly 400 is configuredand sized to couple to or to occupy the open cable end of the 32 of theapparatus 10. The sealing assembly 400 includes an adapter 404 with afirst open terminal end 406 and a second closed terminal end 408. Thesecond closed terminal end 408 defines one or more apertures 410, eachaperture 410 configured and sized to receive at least one cable or“micro” duct 401. The adapter 404 is further configured such that whenthe assembly 400 is disposed or seated in the apparatus 10 an externalsurface 412 of the adapter 404 conforms to and mates with at least aportion of the inner surface 24 of the chamber 28. In one embodiment,when the assembly 400 is coupled to or occupies the cable open end 32,the apertures 410 position the one or more cables or “micro” ducts 401substantially in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the apparatus 10.The apertures 410 are disposed and configured to permit the one or moreducts 401 to be applied or fed through the assembly 400 into theinterior 34A of the conduit 34.

Referring to FIG. 27, in one embodiment, the sealing assembly 400 isdisposed in the top half 12 a of the housing 12 of the apparatus 10. Theport 60 provided by the top half 12 a of the housing 12 is configuredand sized to receive and to contain the sealing assembly 400 such thatthe assembly 400 is in fluid communication with the chamber 28 and canprovide one or more cables and/or “micro” ducts 401 into the chamber 28through the port 60.

Having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of theinvention, various alterations, modifications and improvements willreadily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations,modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope andspirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is byway of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention'slimit is defined only in the following claims and the equivalentsthereto.

1. An apparatus for feeding an elongated member into a conduit, theapparatus comprising: an elongated housing defining a chamber and havinga first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first endbeing configured and arranged to couple to a portion of the conduit, theelongated housing further having a first port in fluid communicationwith the chamber; a sealing assembly coupled to the second end includinga filler assembly constructed and arranged to define at least oneopening through the sealing assembly in fluid communication with thechamber, the at least one opening being configured and sized to receiveand to feed the elongated member into the chamber and into the conduit;and a gas supply assembly disposed in the first port on the elongatedhousing anterior to the sealing assembly and being configured to supplygas under pressure to the chamber from a gas source.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one opening is an arcuate opening.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein the elongated member is a duct constructedof a material that permits the duct to flatten.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein the duct defines an inner space sized to receive atleast one of a cable, a tape, a rope and a strength yarn when the ductis disposed within an interior of the conduit and is open.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 3 wherein the duct defines a plurality of cellsdisposed therein, at least one cell defining an inner space sized toreceive at least one of a cable, a tape, a rope and a strength yarn whenthe duct is disposed within an interior of the conduit and is open. 6.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one opening is anelongated slot.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least oneopening is angled.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongatedmember is one of a cable, a duct, a tape, a rope and a strength member.9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the duct defines an inner spacesized to receive at least one of a cable, a tape, a rope and a strengthmember.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the duct defines an innerspace sized to receive a second duct.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the filler assembly includes a seal defining the at least oneopening.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the seal is configuredand sized to wrap around one of a cable and a duct.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein the seal is deformable and sized to conform to one of acable and a duct.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising anadaptor housing configured to couple to and to contain the seal.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14 further comprising at least one aperture through aportion of the adaptor housing in fluid communication with the chamber,the aperture being configured and sized to receive and to feed at leasta second elongated member into the chamber and into the conduit.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15 wherein the second elongated member is one of acable, a duct, a tape, a rope and a strength member.
 17. The apparatusof claim 16 wherein the duct defines an inner space sized to receive atleast one of a cable, a tape, a rope and a strength member.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 16 wherein the duct defines an inner space sized toreceive a second duct.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theelongated housing includes a first coupling housing and a secondcoupling housing, the first coupling housing being pivotally connectedto the second coupling housing such that the elongated housing may beclosed around the portion of the conduit.
 20. An apparatus for feedingan elongated member into a conduit, the apparatus comprising: anelongated housing defining a chamber and having a first end and a secondend, the first end configured and arranged to couple to a first portionof the conduit, the elongated housing further having a first port influid communication with the chamber; a sealing assembly coupled to thesecond end of the housing and having at least one opening through thesealing assembly in fluid communication with the chamber, the at leastone opening of the sealing assembly being configured and sized toreceive and to feed the elongated member into the chamber and into theconduit; a gas supply assembly on the elongated housing and configuredto supply gas under pressure to the chamber from a gas source; andwherein the sealing assembly includes a ring configured totelescopically receive a filler assembly, the filler assembly and thering defining the at least one opening.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20wherein the at least one opening is an arcuate opening.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein the at least one opening is an elongatedslot.
 23. An apparatus for feeding an elongated member into a conduit,the apparatus comprising: an elongated housing defining a chamber andhaving a first end and a second end, the first end configured andarranged to couple to a first portion of the conduit, the elongatedhousing further having a first port in fluid communication with thechamber; a sealing assembly coupled to the second end of the housing andhaving at least one opening through the sealing assembly in fluidcommunication with the chamber, the at least one opening of the sealingassembly being configured and sized to receive and to feed the elongatedmember into the chamber and into the conduit; a gas supply assembly onthe elongated housing and configured to supply gas under pressure to thechamber from a gas source; wherein the sealing assembly includes a sealdefining the at least one opening; and further comprising an adaptorhousing configured to couple to and to contain the seal.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 23 further comprising at least one aperture through aportion of the adaptor housing in fluid communication with the chamber,the aperture being configured and sized to receive and to feed a secondelongated member through the chamber and into the conduit.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 24 wherein the second elongated member is one of acable and a duct.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the duct definesan inner space sized to receive at least one of a cable, a tape, a ropeand a strength yam.
 27. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the ductdefines an inner space sized to receive a second duct.
 28. An apparatusfor feeding an elongated member into a conduit, the apparatuscomprising: an elongated housing defining a chamber and having a firstend and a second end, the first end configured and arranged to couple toa first portion of the conduit, the elongated housing further having afirst port in fluid communication with the chamber; a sealing assemblycoupled to the second end of the housing and having at least one openingthrough the sealing assembly in fluid communication with the chamber,the at least one opening of the sealing assembly being configured andsized to receive and to feed the elongated member into the chamber andinto the conduit; a gas supply assembly on the elongated housing andconfigured to supply gas under pressure to the chamber from a gassource; wherein the gas supply assembly is in a second port disposedalong the housing in fluid communication with the chamber; and whereinthe second port is disposed anterior to the first port.
 29. An apparatusfor feeding an elongated member into a conduit, the apparatuscomprising: an elongated housing defining a chamber and having a firstend, the first end being configured and arranged to couple to a portionof the conduit, the elongated housing further having a first port beingin fluid communication with the chamber; a sealing assembly disposed inthe first port including a filler assembly constructed and arranged todefine at least one opening through the sealing assembly in fluidcommunication with the chamber, the at least one opening and beingconfigured and sized to receive and to feed the elongated member intothe chamber and into the conduit; and a gas supply assembly disposed ina second port on the elongated housing, the second port being in fluidcommunication with the chamber and the gas supply assembly beingconfigured to supply gas under pressure to the chamber from a gassource.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the at least one openingis an arcuate opening.
 31. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein theelongated member is a duct constructed of a material that permits theduct to flatten.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the duct definesan inner space sized to receive at least one of a cable, a tape, a ropeand a strength yarn when the duct is disposed within an interior of theconduit and is open.
 33. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the ductdefines a plurality of cells disposed therein, at least one celldefining an inner space sized to receive at least one of a cable, atape, a rope and a strength yarn when the duct is disposed within aninterior of the conduit and is open.
 34. The apparatus of claim 29wherein the at least one opening is an elongated slot.
 35. The apparatusof claim 29 wherein the at least one opening is angled.
 36. Theapparatus of claim 29 wherein the elongated member is one of a cable, aduct, a tape, a rope and a strength yarn.
 37. The apparatus of claim 36wherein the duct defines an inner space sized to receive at least one ofa cable, a tape, a rope and a strength yarn.
 38. The apparatus of claim37 further comprising at least one aperture through a portion of theadaptor housing in fluid communication with the chamber, the aperturebeing configured and sized to receive and to feed a second elongatedmember through the chamber and into the conduit.
 39. The apparatus ofclaim 38 wherein the second elongated member is one of a cable and aduct.
 40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the duct defines an innerspace sized to receive at least one of a cable, a tape, a rope and astrength yarn.
 41. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein the duct defines aninner space sized to receive a second duct.
 42. The apparatus of claim36 wherein the duct defines an inner space sized to receive a secondduct.
 43. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the filler assembly includesa seal defining the at least one opening.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43wherein the seal is configured and sized to wrap around one of a cableand a duct.
 45. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein the seal is deformableand size to conform to one of a cable and a duct.
 46. The apparatus ofclaim 29 wherein the elongated housing includes a first coupling housingand a second coupling housing, the first coupling housing beingpivotally connected to the second coupling housing such that theelongated housing may be closed around the portion of the conduit. 47.An apparatus for feeding an elongated member into a conduit, theapparatus comprising: an elongated housing defining a chamber and havinga first end and a second end, the first end configured and arranged toenclose a portion of the conduit, and the second end configured andarranged to receive a sealing assembly, the sealing assembly having atleast one opening through the sealing assembly in fluid communicationwith the chamber, the at least one opening being substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated housing, and beingconfigured and sized to receive and to feed the elongated member throughthe chamber and into the conduit; a gas supply assembly on the elongatedhousing configured to supply gas under pressure to the chamber from agas source; and wherein the sealing assembly includes a ring configuredto telescopically receive a filler assembly, the filler assembly and thering defining the at least one opening.
 48. The apparatus of claim 47wherein the at least one opening is an arcuate opening.
 49. An apparatusfor feeding an elongated member into a conduit, the apparatuscomprising: an elongated housing defining a chamber and having a firstend and a second end, the first end configured and arranged to enclose aportion of the conduit, and the second end configured and arranged toreceive a sealing assembly, the sealing assembly having at least oneopening through the sealing assembly in fluid communication with thechamber, the at least one opening being substantially perpendicular to alongitudinal axis of the elongated housing, and being configured andsized to receive and to feed the elongated member through the chamberand into the conduit; and a gas supply assembly on the elongated housingconfigured to supply gas under pressure to the chamber from a gassource; wherein the sealing assembly includes a seal defining the atleast one opening; and further comprising an adaptor housing configuredto couple to and to contain the seal.
 50. The apparatus of claim 49wherein the adaptor housing is configured to mate with at least aportion of an inner surface of the second end.
 51. An apparatus forfeeding an elongated member into a conduit, the apparatus comprising: anelongated housing defining a chamber and having a first end and a secondend, the first end configured and arranged to enclose a portion of theconduit, and the second end configured and arranged to receive a sealingassembly, the sealing assembly having at least one opening through thesealing assembly in fluid communication with the chamber, the at leastone opening being substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ofthe elongated housing, and being configured and sized to receive and tofeed the elongated member through the chamber and into the conduit; agas supply assembly on the elongated housing configured to supply gasunder pressure to the chamber from a gas source; wherein the gas supplyassembly is in a second port disposed along the housing in fluidcommunication with the chamber; and wherein the second port is disposedanterior to the sealing assembly.